Volvo XC70 MOT pass rate and common problems
75.8% of 25,840 Volvo XC70 MOT tests pass.
At 75.8%, the XC70 passes slightly less often than the average across all Volvo models (80.1%).
At 75.8%, the Volvo XC70 passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Volvo XC70?
This is the average across every Volvo XC70 in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Volvo’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate declines noticeably with age, from 82.5% at 6–10 years to 68.5% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | too few tests (4) | 4 | no reading |
| 3–6 years | no tests recorded | 0 | no reading |
| 6–10 years | 82.5% | 5,472 | 87,273 miles |
| 10–15 years | 78.8% | 10,699 | 120,053 miles |
| 15+ years | 68.5% | 9,665 | 152,274 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Volvo XC70
The most common reason the Volvo XC70 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 56.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 56.6% | Not working |
| Suspension | 39.7% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Brakes | 31.8% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 20.5% | Has ply or cords exposed |
| Steering | 14.0% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Visibility | 10.6% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Body, chassis, structure | 9.2% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.4% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.0% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.2% | Inscription illegible |
Buying a used Volvo XC70: what to check
These checks follow the Volvo XC70’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Volvo XC70 comes between 10–15 years and 15+ years old, from 78.8% to 68.5%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 90,000–120,000 mi to 120,000+ mi: 79.9% down to 70.6%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 56.6% of failed Volvo XC70 MOTs. 29.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.1% at 6–10 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
2. Suspension
Recorded in 39.7% of failed Volvo XC70 MOTs. 19.0% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 5.5% at 6–10 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 31.8% of failed Volvo XC70 MOTs. 17.9% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 4.4% at 6–10 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 20.5% of failed Volvo XC70 MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Steering
Recorded in 14.0% of failed Volvo XC70 MOTs.
The steering should feel precise, without knocks or play, and the car should run straight. Turn to full lock both ways and listen for clunks.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Volvo service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Volvo models
- Volvo C30 — 67.4% pass rate
- Volvo S60 — 78.0% pass rate
- Volvo S40 — 64.3% pass rate
- Volvo V90 — 87.0% pass rate
- Volvo C70 — 68.0% pass rate
- Volvo S90 — 89.5% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Volvo XC70?
- 75.8% of Volvo XC70 MOT tests pass, based on 25,840 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Volvo XC70?
- The most common reason the Volvo XC70 fails its MOT is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — present in 56.6% of failed tests, most often logged as "Not working".
- What are the common problems with the Volvo XC70?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Volvo XC70 are lights and electrics; suspension; brakes. 29.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.1% at 6–10 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Volvo XC70?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: lights and electrics; suspension; brakes; tyres; steering. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Volvo XC70's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Volvo service history guide for how to check and keep one.